The Life and Morals of Jesus of Nazareth
Extracted Textually from the Gospels

Compiled by Thomas Jefferson

Edited by Eyler Robert Coates, Sr.

. . . Thomas Jefferson believed that the ethical system of Jesus was
the finest the world has ever seen. In compiling what has come to be called "The Jefferson
Bible," he sought to separate those ethical teachings from the religious dogma and other
supernatural elements that are intermixed in the account provided by the four Gospels. He presented these teachings, along with the essential events of the life of Jesus, in one continuous narrative.

This presentation of The Jefferson Bible offers the text as selected and arranged by Jefferson in two separate editions: one edition uses a revised King James Version of the biblical texts, corrected in accordance with the findings of modern scholarship; the second edition uses the original unrevised KJV. The actual verses of the Bible used for both editions are those chosen by Jefferson. Visitors should find the revised KJV text much easier to read and understand. Those seeking the precise English version Mr. Jefferson used when making his compilation can click on "Unrevised KJV text."

Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem, where Jesus is born; He is circumcised and
named and they return to Nazareth. At 12 years of age, he accompanies his parents to
Jerusalem and returns. John baptises in Jordan. Jesus is baptised at 30 years of age. He
drives the traders out of the temple. He baptises but retires into Galilee on the death of John.
He teaches in the Synagogue, explains the Sabbath. Call of his disciples.

Goes to Jerusalem and Bethany. The traders cast out from the temple. Parable of
the two sons. Parable of the vineyard and husbandmen. Parable of the king and the wedding
feast. On tribute, marriage, and resurrection. The two greatest commandments.

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